Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
32.515 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 15P 5MM BLK VERT	0
32.513 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 13P 5MM BLK VERT	0
36.304 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81MM	160700
30.361 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 11POS 5MM VERT	1801020
30.369 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 19POS 5MM VERT	0
30.304 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5MM	4002750
SH05-5,00 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 5MM	1702100
PDSH06-5,08 Altech Corporation	CONN TERM BLK 12POS 5.08MM	3633000
32.505 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 5P 5MM BLK VERT 1	0
32.517 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 17P 5MM BLK VERT	0
SH10-5,08 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 5.08MM	75950
PDSH04-5,08 Altech Corporation	CONN TERM BLK 8POS 5.08MM	751050
30.323 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5MM	4906800
32.518 Altech Corporation	PCB PIN HEADER 18P 5MM BLK VERT	0
36.253 Altech Corporation	PCB PLUG 3P 5.00MM VERT AK1110/0	200
37.016 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 5.08MM	15126180
30.368 Altech Corporation	HEADER PCB 18POS 5MM VERT	0
30.307 Altech Corporation	TERM PLUG 7 P 5MM GRY 9A 150V	5702550
SH14-3,50 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS 3.5MM	52740
37.006 Altech Corporation	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	213700

Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

1. Overview

Terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are essential components in electrical and electronic systems for establishing reliable connections between circuits. These devices enable signal transmission, power distribution, and system modularity. Their standardized designs ensure interoperability, scalability, and ease of maintenance in complex systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Terminal Blocks	Screw/clamp-based connections for high current/ voltage	Industrial control panels, power distribution units
PCB Headers	Pin/grid arrays for board-to-board connections	Embedded systems, Arduino shields
RJ Connectors	Modular jacks for data/telecom signals	Ethernet networks (RJ45), telephone systems (RJ11)
D-Sub Connectors	Multi-pin trapezoidal shells for analog/digital signals	Legacy serial interfaces, industrial sensors
USB Connectors	Hot-pluggable interfaces for power/data	Consumer electronics, peripheral devices

3. Structure and Components

Typical structures include:

Insulating housing (PA66, PBT, or LCP plastics)
Contact elements (phosphor bronze, beryllium copper)
Plating materials (gold, tin, nickel for corrosion resistance)
Actuation mechanisms (screws, spring clamps, or friction fits)
EMI shielding layers (for high-frequency applications)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Current Rating (A)	Determines power handling capacity
Voltage Rating (V)	Defines dielectric strength requirements
Contact Resistance (m )	Impacts signal integrity and power loss
Insertion Loss (dB)	Critical for high-speed data transmission
Mating Cycles	Indicates mechanical durability
Operating Temperature (- C to + C)	Defines environmental tolerance

5. Application Fields

Primary industries include:

Industrial automation (PLCs, HMIs)
Telecommunications (5G base stations, routers)
Consumer electronics (smartphones, wearables)
Medical equipment (imaging devices, patient monitors)
Automotive (EV charging systems, ADAS)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Phoenix Contact	COMBICON series terminal blocks
TE Connectivity	MICRO MATCH connectors
Molex	SL Series headers
Amphenol	D-Subminiature connectors
Samtec	QTE high-speed socket systems

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Electrical requirements (current/voltage levels)
Mechanical constraints (space, vibration)
Environmental factors (temperature, humidity)
Signal integrity needs (frequency, noise rejection)
Cost vs. reliability trade-offs
Compliance with standards (IPC, IEC, UL)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Miniaturization for wearable devices
High-speed connectors for 5G/6G ( 25 Gbps)
Hybrid connectors integrating power/data
Eco-friendly materials (halogen-free, RoHS compliant)
Smart connectors with built-in sensors
Automotive-grade connectors for EVs